The bat makes up about 25% of all mammals and is the only true flying mammal. There are 45 species in North America. The bat’s are one of our most misunderstood and feared animals but it is probably the most beneficial to humans.
Townsend’s Big-Eared bat is a medium sized bat approximately 2-2 ½ inches long with a wingspan approximately 12-13 inches and they have fairly large ears like a rabbits ears and are about an inch long. This particular bat is found mostly in western Canada, western United States and down south into Mexico. This particular bat lives mostly in caves, mines, lava tubes and large man-made structures that resemble caves such as large areas under bridges and old abandoned buildings with large attics.
As with most bats of the microchiroptera order, these are also insectivorous and mostly feed on moths and butterflies, with the occasional fly, lacewings, dung beetles and sawflies. They will Pest Control In Housekeeping Pdf feed in the air but are mostly gleaners eating insects from leaf surfaces. Again as with most bat in the United States they are a benefit to man as they are a natural insect controller.
The Townsend’s Big-eared Bat lives in a wide range of habitats, including desert shrub, deciduous and coniferous forests and range in altitudes from sea level to around 9500 feet. This bat looks What To Do After Pest Control Sprays like only one other bat with very large eyes, the pallid bat. It is unsure at this time if these bats will live in artificial bat houses because of their seeming preference to caves or mines.
The enemies of the Townsend’s Big-Eared bat are human disturbance and destruction of habitats. The decline in parts of the country is not determined as to whether it is caused through human induced disturbance, displacement or a natural tendency for this particular species to shift locations. The other cause of their decline is the use of pesticides and insecticides.
Again as I learn about these gentle creatures and the benefits they provide, the more I come to appreciate them.